Trails

I didn’t know this small city has a high-quality coral group, the Central Oregon Mastersingers, until I accidentally discovered it in an unusual way.

The equine veterinary clinic that is treating my donkey Pimmy needed another blood draw, so Stephanie called, made an appointment, and came yesterday. I met her at the barn wearing my iPods. While she drew blood, I held Pimmy and figured those big ears were hearing my iPods. I whispered, asking Pimmy if she enjoyed the opera. To my surprise, Stephanie said, “Which opera?”

I replied, “‘Der Rosencavalier,’ which is some of the most beautiful music ever,” and she began telling me about her dad. He had earned a degree in music and became a conductor; he has long taught music and also conducted an orchestra in Eugene. Stephanie added a bit about herself: she grew up with music, has played trombone (among other instruments), has studied voice, and now sings with the Central Oregon Mastersingers.

That’s how it happened. After twenty years of living here, and more unknown to my embarrassment, this area has a performing group of Mastersingers.

That’s similar to my surprise in learning about this city’s High Desert Chamber Music group. While working in my part-time job and assigned to its Fancy Dress area, I was checking out a customer purchasing a formal gown. I asked where she’d wear it, and she said while narrating for a piece during an upcoming Desert Chamber Music concert. I asked, and she explained more, even inviting me to the concert. I did attend the concert, which was excellent, and then became a season ticket holder.

I love music and am an informal listener. I have a secret longing to sing with a choral group, but I am untrained, and my singing voice is ordinary, at best. So, I’ve never explored any possibilities. But get this: The Mastersingers are having a “Summer Sing-Along” on a Sunday when I will be off work. I am hoping to attend and participate.

Most of my years in this area have been riding on horseback and enjoying the nearby mountains and forests. Nowadays, while riding less, I’m learning there’s much more available around here to love.

Dear Friends: A formal gown and “Der Rosenkavalier,” opening new trails. Diana